Bedworth School which has a ‘happy and vibrant environment’ praised by Ofsted

A children’s school in Bedworth described as having school values ​​of “kindness, respect, honesty, resilience and care” has been praised by Ofsted. The values ​​are said to bring a “happy and vibrant environment” to Exhall Cedars Infant Nursery and Preschool on Trenance Road in Bedworth.

Inspectors visited the school on Tuesday 11 June and Wednesday 12 June. The school received an overall ‘Good’ Ofsted grade from its previous ‘requires improvement’ rating.

Within the curriculum, pupils are said to ‘do well’ because adults support them skillfully and have ‘high expectations’, and the same is true of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Teachers carefully tailor lessons to make learning accessible.

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There are high expectations of behavior and pupils consistently meet them well, inspectors say, noting they are “polite, polite and confident”. The school also helps pupils to become independent and resilient from a very young age, with positive attitudes in the classroom and the school’s ‘exciting’ outdoor spaces.

The contribution of outdoor spaces to the development of students is significant. Students become risk takers and problem solvers in safe and engaging environments. They learn to work together harmoniously and this contributes strongly to calm, purposeful playtimes and lessons.

From pre-school to Key Stage 1, the school has created a well thought out and sequenced curriculum. It is regularly reviewed and adapted to suit the needs of students. The school has ensured that the lessons have a clear and consistent structure that they are familiar with. This predictability helps students learn well in subjects, including music.

Students develop their numeracy skills and become competent mathematicians, building on the foundations taught in the early years. Each lesson begins with a review of work from previous lessons to help students consolidate their mathematical knowledge. Students usually use math vocabulary accurately in lessons, and teachers notice and correct any misconceptions that arise.

Inspectors added that staff teach phonics effectively because the school has an established, successful and consistent way of doing this. Using mnemonics and simple phrases helps students become confident in their knowledge. By the time students leave school, most are fluent readers and ready for the challenges of school.

Teachers engage students and present information clearly, as developing students’ language and vocabulary is a school goal. Staff are qualified to identify pupils’ needs and provide effective support and there is a ‘relentless’ effort to make the necessary adaptations to include all pupils in school life.

The school also does a lot to help the wider development of students. For example, they know about the benefits of eating healthy and drinking plenty of water. They understand staying safe online by not talking to people they don’t know or sharing personal information. Students are also outside in all weathers immersed in a range of activities including zip lining, beach digging and building enormous towers out of car tyres.

Parents also speak highly of the school and appreciate opportunities to attend curriculum information sessions. The school also has a passionate and engaged governing body that provides effective support and challenge. Governors know the school well and ask the right questions. There is also an “impressive” sense of unity among the staff at Exhall Cedars. They feel valued and proud to work at such ‘caring’ and ‘exciting’ schools.

In addition, the school received a platinum OPAL award for its provision on 16 July and is the first children’s school in Warwickshire to achieve the highest level. The Platinum award follows 12 months of working in school with local play expert and OPAL mentor Rob Francksen to strategically and sustainably improve playtime for all our children.

Play is essential for children’s health, development and well-being. Despite the fact that play takes up a fifth of the school day, very few schools make strategic plans for this period, leaving many yards and playgrounds unused, uninspiring and accommodating only a minimal number of children.

OPAL CIC founder and director Michael Follett said: “The benefits of play are well documented but have virtually disappeared from children’s lives. That’s why we’re working with schools across the country to improve playtime. Congratulations Exhall Cedars on your recent award and all you do to ensure children have amazing play every day.”

To view the full Ofsted report and previous inspections at Exhall Cedars Infant Nursery and Preschool, visit the Ofsted website.

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